Now the buildings are listed for auction at the next El Paso County sheriff's sale.

They're being seized to pay a debt Abraham owes for bringing a Juan Gabriel concert to El Paso in 2015.

The city of El Paso says the availability of the properties is a long time coming.

“I think this is only going to give property owners, not only within the downtown footprint, but really all the way around the streetcar up to the university, to really give people a sense of optimism for redevelopment,” Herrera said.

El Pasoans and the city are confident investors will pay for the chance to rebuild the forgotten landmarks.

“I see a lot of value in it. But if they’re going to be making something new out of it, then at least put something that the whole community can use,” Rosa said.

“From the city side and the county side we will continue to be as aggressive as we need to get these buildings opened and restored,” Herrera said.

The sheriff’s sale will take place at the El Paso County Courthouse Feb. 6.